Durga Puja 2024: Dates, Rituals and Cultural Significance Across India

Durga Puja is one of the most important and joyful festivals in India, especially in the state of West Bengal. It is a celebration that brings together people from all walks of life, filled with happiness, devotion, and cultural activities. This festival, which honors Goddess Durga, is celebrated with immense enthusiasm every year. In 2024, Durga Puja will be celebrated from October 11 to October 15. These five days will be packed with colorful rituals, cultural programs, and a sense of unity.

Let’s explore the wonderful world of Durga Puja and understand its significance, how it is celebrated, and why it is such an exciting event for everyone, especially kids!

The Legend Behind Durga Puja

The story of Durga Puja is based on an age-old mythological tale of the fight between Goddess Durga and a demon named Mahishasura. Mahishasura was a powerful demon who wanted to conquer heaven and earth. He caused destruction everywhere and was unstoppable. Even the gods were afraid of him because of his strength.

Seeing the gods in danger, they came together to create a powerful goddess who could defeat Mahishasura. They combined their energies to form Goddess Durga, who was given special weapons to fight the demon. Durga fought Mahishasura for nine long days and nights, and on the tenth day, she finally defeated him. This day is called Vijayadashami, which means the “Day of Victory.”

This story shows that good always wins over evil, and it’s why people celebrate Durga Puja with such joy and devotion every year.

Important Dates of Durga Puja 2024

Durga Puja is a five-day festival, though preparations start much earlier. Here are the important days of the festival in 2024:

1. Mahalaya (October 3, 2024): Preparations and Build-Up to Durga Puja

The journey of Durga Puja begins on Mahalaya, a day that marks the beginning of the spiritual preparation for the goddess’s arrival. This is traditionally celebrated by the recitation of hymns and prayers, such as Chandipath and Mahishasura Mardini. In Bengal, the day begins early with loudspeakers blaring religious songs at dawn. It is believed that on this day, Goddess Durga descends from her celestial abode to Earth.

People also start planning their pandal visits, while artisans begin working on creating idols, pandals, and decorations. The entire city of Kolkata starts to feel the festive atmosphere, with streets being decorated and the excitement growing.

2. Shashthi (October 09, 2024): Welcoming the Goddess

The first day of Durga Puja is Shashthi, when the idol of Goddess Durga is unveiled in the pandals (temporary structures built for the event). It is also the day when the Bodhan ritual is performed—devotees welcome Goddess Durga into their homes and pandals.

• Sthapana (Installation of the Idol): The idol of Durga is brought to the pandals with great fanfare. The artists and artisans behind these idols are revered for their craft, and the idols can range from traditional clay depictions to modern, experimental forms.
• Anjali and Prayers: On Shashthi, devotees gather to offer prayers and perform anjali, a special ritual where offerings like flowers and fruits are presented to the goddess.

3. Saptami (October 10, 2024): The Rituals Begin in Full Swing

On Saptami, the real celebrations begin. The day is filled with rituals, music, dance, and cultural programs. One of the main rituals is the Nabapatrika Puja, where nine plants are worshipped as symbols of the goddess’s powers.

• Nabapatrika: A bunch of nine plants, including banana, mango, and other leaves, are bathed and worshipped. These represent the nine forms of Durga.
• Fasting and Offerings: Devotees, especially women, fast during these days, offering prayers to the goddess in hopes of blessings for the well-being of their families and loved ones.

4. Ashtami (October 11, 2024): The Day of Divine Power

Ashtami, the eighth day of the festival, is the most important and revered. It is considered the day when Goddess Durga defeated the demon Mahishasura. The day is filled with the most elaborate rituals and celebrations:

• Sandhi Puja: A special ritual known as Sandhi Puja takes place when Ashtami is about to end and Navami is about to begin. It is believed that Goddess Durga killed Mahishasura during this transition time, and special prayers are offered.
• Kumari Puja: On this day, young girls (often pre-pubescent) are worshipped as embodiments of Goddess Durga. The girls, often dressed in traditional attire, are treated with reverence, and their feet are washed by devotees as a symbol of purity and divinity.
• Feasts and Celebrations: The day is marked by lavish feasts, where families gather to offer food and sweets to Goddess Durga. Traditional Bengali sweets like Sandesh and Rosogolla are offered to the goddess and also shared with family and friends.

5. Navami (October 12, 2024): The Final Day of Rituals

Navami, or Maha Navami, marks the final day of intense worship and rituals. The entire day is spent in prayer, offerings, and community celebrations:

• Anjali (Prayers): On this day, many people gather in pandals to offer prayers to Goddess Durga. Women and children are often seen performing the Anjali in groups, chanting hymns and offering flowers to the goddess.
• Animal Sacrifice (Traditional Ritual): While animal sacrifice is not as common in urban areas like Kolkata, some rural regions still perform symbolic animal sacrifices to honor Goddess Durga’s victory over evil.
• Feasts and Festivities: Many Bengalis observe the tradition of Bengali-style feast, with elaborate meals being prepared for the family and friends, and of course, bhog (food offerings) is a major part of the Puja. The bhog consists of rice, dal, vegetables, and sweets, all of which are first offered to Durga and then distributed among devotees.

6. Vijaya Dashami (October 13, 2024): Immersion and Farewell

The culmination of Durga Puja is Vijaya Dashami, also called Dussehra. This day signifies the farewell of Goddess Durga as she returns to her celestial abode. The celebrations are both joyous and emotional:

• Sindoor Khela: On this day, married women apply vermilion (sindoor) to the goddess’s idol and to one another. This is a symbol of prosperity, happiness, and blessings in marriage.
• Idol Immersion (Visarjan): The most poignant moment of Durga Puja is the immersion of the idol in water, usually in a river, lake, or sea. Thousands of devotees gather at various ghats in Kolkata and other cities to immerse the idols. This marks the goddess’s departure and the end of the festival.
• Parades and Processions: The idol immersion is often accompanied by loud chanting, drumbeats, and processions. The streets are filled with people dancing, singing, and celebrating as the idols are carried to the water.

How Is Durga Puja Celebrated?

Durga Puja is celebrated in different ways across India, but West Bengal is known for its grand and vibrant celebrations. Let’s explore how this amazing festival is enjoyed:

1. Pandal Hopping

During Durga Puja, people love visiting different pandals to see the creativity and art involved in building them. A pandal is a temporary structure where the idol of Goddess Durga is placed for worship. These pandals are not just simple tents; they are grand works of art! Some are designed like palaces, ancient temples, or famous monuments, and others might be created using eco-friendly materials like clay, bamboo, or even recycled items.

In Kolkata, the capital city of West Bengal, there are thousands of pandals to visit. Many people spend entire days visiting as many pandals as possible, and the streets are filled with lights, music, and excitement.

2. Worship and Rituals

Each day of Durga Puja is marked by different rituals. Priests offer prayers, flowers, fruits, and sweets to Goddess Durga. One of the most important rituals is Pushpanjali, where devotees offer flowers to the goddess while chanting sacred mantras. Many families also perform aarti, waving lamps in front of the goddess to honor her.

The Sandhi Puja is another significant ritual, performed at the exact moment between Ashtami and Navami. It is believed that this is when Durga finally struck down Mahishasura. The atmosphere is charged with devotion, and the entire city seems to be praying together.

3. Cultural Programs

Durga Puja is not just about worshipping the goddess; it’s also a time to celebrate culture and art. Many pandals host cultural events in the evenings, where there are dance performances, singing competitions, and drama shows based on mythology. These performances often tell the story of Durga’s victory over Mahishasura.

Kids can also participate in various fun activities, like drawing competitions, games, and storytelling events. The festival gives everyone a chance to show their talents and enjoy time with friends and family.

4. Food and Feasting

One of the best parts of Durga Puja is the delicious food! Food stalls selling all kinds of yummy dishes pop up around the pandals. From spicy snacks like phuchkas (also known as pani puri or golgappa) to mouth-watering sweets like rasgulla, sandesh, and mishti doi (sweetened yogurt), there is something for everyone.

Many pandals also serve bhog, which is food offered to the goddess and then distributed among the devotees. The bhog usually includes khichuri (a rice and lentil dish), vegetables, and sweets. Families and friends gather to enjoy these meals together.

5. Sindoor Khela

On the last day, during Vijayadashami, a special ritual called Sindoor Khela is performed. Married women apply sindoor (vermilion powder) on each other’s faces and on the goddess, as a way of wishing for long and happy marriages. It is a fun event where women laugh, play, and celebrate the power of Durga as a protector and nurturer.

6. The Immersion

The festival ends with the immersion of the idol of Goddess Durga in a nearby river or sea. This symbolizes her return to her heavenly home, and while it is a sad moment for many, it is also filled with hope for her return next year. People shout “Asche bochor abar hobe!” which means “Next year, we will celebrate again!”

The immersion is a grand procession, with people dancing, playing drums, and throwing colored powders into the air. It’s a final celebration of joy and togetherness before the festival ends.

Why Is Durga Puja Special?

Durga Puja is more than just a religious festival. It brings people together, no matter their age, background, or beliefs. Families and friends reunite, children look forward to the fun and excitement, and communities bond over their shared love for the goddess.

Here are some reasons why Durga Puja is such a special festival:

• Celebration of Womanhood: Durga represents power, courage, and the strength of women. By worshipping her, people honor all women and celebrate their roles in society. Rituals like Kumari Puja remind everyone that even young girls are considered powerful and divine.
• Unity and Togetherness: During Durga Puja, people forget their differences and come together to celebrate. It’s a time for sharing, whether it’s food, joy, or prayers. The sense of unity and togetherness makes this festival truly special.
• Culture and Art: Durga Puja is a platform for artists to showcase their creativity. From the stunning pandals to the cultural performances, the festival celebrates the rich culture and heritage of India, especially Bengal.
• Teaching Good Values: Durga Puja teaches important values, like the triumph of good over evil, the importance of family, and the strength of women. These values are especially meaningful for children, helping them understand the importance of kindness, bravery, and respect.

How Durga Puja Across Different States of India

While Durga Puja is synonymous with Bengal, its celebrations are widespread and vary in cultural flavor across different states in India:

West Bengal: Durga Puja in Bengal is a massive affair, celebrated with elaborate pandals, cultural performances, and devotional songs. The streets of Kolkata come alive with decorations, lights, and the sound of Dhak drums. The five days of Durga Puja are filled with religious devotion, feasting, and social gatherings.

Assam: In Assam, Durga Puja is equally significant, with a blend of Assamese traditions. The festival here focuses on elaborate pandal hopping, traditional dance forms like Bihu, and cultural exhibitions, showcasing Assam’s artistic heritage.

Odisha: In Odisha, the focus is on community gatherings, where Durga Puja is a mix of spiritual devotion and cultural performances. Cuttack is famous for its silver filigree (Chandi Medha) decorations on Durga idols. Traditional folk dances and music performances mark the celebrations here.

Bihar and Jharkhand: In Bihar and Jharkhand, Durga Puja is often celebrated alongside Navratri. The main feature is the Ravan Vadh (burning of effigies of Ravana), symbolizing the victory of good over evil. It also marks the end of the Puja festivities.

Maharashtra: Maharashtra celebrates Durga Puja as part of Navratri. Here, devotees perform the Garba and Dandiya Raas, dances to honor the goddess. Pandals are set up in cities like Mumbai and Pune, where people gather for community prayers and cultural events.

Karnataka: In Karnataka, Durga Puja is intertwined with the state’s grand celebration of Mysore Dasara. The Mysore Palace is lit up, and the entire city celebrates the goddess with a royal procession, drawing thousands of visitors from across the country.

Durga Puja vs. Dussehra: Key Differences

Though Durga Puja and Dussehra are often used interchangeably, they are distinct festivals with different regional focuses:

1. Cultural Focus:
   • Durga Puja is primarily celebrated in West Bengal, Odisha, Assam, and Bihar, focusing on the worship of Goddess Durga’s victory over Mahishasura.
   • Dussehra, on the other hand, is more prominent in North India, where it marks Lord Rama’s victory over Ravana. Effigies of Ravana, along with Meghnad and Kumbhakarna, are burned on this day.
2. Navratri Connection:
   While Durga Puja is a part of the larger Navratri celebrations, Dussehra signifies the culmination of Navratri, particularly in North India.
3. Geographical Popularity: Durga Puja is most popular in Eastern India, while Dussehra has a stronger presence in Northern and Western India.
4. Ritual Differences:
   • Durga Puja includes the worship of idols, pandal hopping, and rituals like Kumari Puja and Sindoor Khela.
   • Dussehra emphasizes the burning of Ravana’s effigy, symbolizing the destruction of evil.